Haha! I encourage you and will wait to hear the update....worst case scenario, you can always hang with me in here (a great consolation prize if I do say so myself). I'm off for the night. Good luck Adam.

Other than myself, you've spent the most time working and hanging out here. You get along with everyone, keep the fires crackling and the kitchen sizzling and are mature and responsible. Now, my only concern would be whether you could crack the whip on your beloved when he imbibes a bit too much and rides the fan.

The decision is up to Fee as I can't see anyone disagreeing here and you have my backing already. Pressure Fee. Pressure. lol.

Fee and I would have to let you in on a couple proprietor secrets involving security though.

The Bistro is empty, so I head to the Stolichnaya bottles. What? The Bistro is out of Stolichnaya, but I notice a few bottles of absinthe. As I start to open one, a walnut and then another hit the back of my head.

"Sorry ILC, I didn't notice you were on the fan. Hi Dedans." It is too dark to see them, but ILC yells down how much money to leave. I pay for six glasses of absinthe and toss two glasses to the fan, which Dedans deftly catches.

When I open my briefcase to take out my International Herald Tribune, I notice the fugu sashimi that I bought from the new street vendor by the train station last night, or maybe the night before. As I unwrap my meal, ILC yells down, "There is complimentary macaroni and cheese. Maybe you should have that instead." She is probably right, so I have the baked cheese pasta and a side of vegetables. I raise one of my absinthe glasses to the ceiling fan and open the IHT.

I am happy you chose the cheesy delight over the day(s) old fugu....we can't have one of our favorite regulars dropping dead from improperly prepared fugu....that would definately bring in the local food inspectors....
Everyone, feel free to help yourselves to the yummy beef veggie stew in the crockpot.....it's a good batch if I do say so myself.....promise to make a big pot of lentil soup later today for you veggies in the crowd....
Am off to restock the stoli and freixenet.....everyone is on the honor system....don't forget the kitty assasin by the door and the Lil Piratey Varm sleeps with one eye open (the one without the patch.....arghhhhhh)

I'm 15, can't drink quite yet, let alone strong drinks lol. I go back to school Monday and if I find a girl I'll try and bust a move I got rejected last time haha, so hopefully it'll be better this time around.

Bob, you are welcome to come in here anytime, lots of healthy, young man building drinks in the fridge at the open end of the bar (grape juice, orange juice, apple juice, sparkling water, all with no added sugar). If you come in off the court, we'll find some Gatorade for you (but that's not for casual sipping). We don't have Red Bull, its bad stuff. Welcome to the Bistro.

CC, now that the 'purse sellers' have finally cleared the upstairs, how about we convert it into showers and a lounge for the people who actually play tennis around here. I think we can put two showers and a men's area at the east end, two showers and a women's area at the west end, and a common lounge aread with couches, chairs and a big screen in the middle. Would that work?

Bob, you are welcome to come in here anytime, lots of healthy, young man building drinks in the fridge at the open end of the bar (grape juice, orange juice, apple juice, sparkling water, all with no added sugar). If you come in off the court, we'll find some Gatorade for you (but that's not for casual sipping). We don't have Red Bull, its bad stuff. Welcome to the Bistro.

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Lol right after I made that thread my mom said we're going out to dinner and then let me choose the restaurant, and then my dad asked me if I wanted to go and hit with him. I felt like **** that day...especially because that thread I made that very day. Glad I can ask for girl advice here then, that's good to know. CC's been really helpful in the past with my girl trouble too And ummm...about the drinks, I think I'll just stick with my OJ. Gotta love that stuff

I'm 15, can't drink quite yet, let alone strong drinks lol. I go back to school Monday and if I find a girl I'll try and bust a move I got rejected last time haha, so hopefully it'll be better this time around.

I'll keep you guys posted then:-D

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Sounds good man. And as soon as you get rid of that thought of being rejected, the better off you are.

It is just that some people aren't attracted to others. Just like shoes, if you don't like a pair of shoes, or you do like them, and they just don't fit you, it doesn't mean that it is a bad shoe, it just isn't for you.

The good thing about this place is that you have a really broad cross section of cool people, from the younger to the older, guys and gals, and we basically all want to have a good time, and are willing to help each other.

So you can talk to everyone, and people will give you their $.02, and the words of some people will resonate with you, and the words of others, you just wont feel.

Just like being coached in tennis actually. And you will gravitate to those whom you feel think along lines that will help you.

Oh, and if you need a red-bull I have a few stashed in my bag, it is the red Wilson one in the corner.

Sounds good man. And as soon as you get rid of that thought of being rejected, the better off you are.

Oh, and if you need a red-bull I have a few stashed in my bag, it is the red Wilson one in the corner.

J

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Yeah I know, but when you get rejected for the first time you take it pretty hard (I did at least). I'm like 95% over it though and am ready to start again with another person. My journey begins Monday

^^^why limit yourself to one person at a time?^^^
You're 15 right? Put yourself out there in many different situations...be kind and friendly to all the young ladies...get to know them...let them get to know you...then, you'll have an easier time deciding which ones you wish to date....but also you'll make lot's of friends...it's a win win situation! Good luck and welcome to the Bistro!

*walks into bistro feeling good* I just sold 2 books on craigslist today to what sounded like a super hot mama, . well turns out she was an adriana lima look alike w/a boob job, lol, it was so amazing, i dressed up and followed vince spadeas advice of wearing coolwater cologne "an oldie but a goodie" and talked w/her for a good 5 min at frys electronics, i am not sure if her bf or her dad was driving the bmw though...well she's going to my university which doesn't have many students so hopefully i'll bump into her on the way to class this semester. it was so awesome as she was way hotter and such a nice girl too to go w/it. lol, it was a blast

Yeah I know, but when you get rejected for the first time you take it pretty hard (I did at least). I'm like 95% over it though and am ready to start again with another person. My journey begins Monday

And fee's right you know, red bull is bad stuff. Sticking with my OJ

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True man, everyone remembers the first time a person they care about tells them to proverbially "Go sh*t in their hat".

But once you make it through that, you kind of gain a new perspective on things, and aren't ever as afraid again.

I liken it to the time I was playing a very important (to me) match, lost the first set, went up 5-0 in the second, and lost 7 straight games and the match. Was the first and only time I have ever done that. And I believe it made me a better person and a better player.

^^^why limit yourself to one person at a time?^^^
You're 15 right? Put yourself out there in many different situations...be kind and friendly to all the young ladies...get to know them...let them get to know you...then, you'll have an easier time deciding which ones you wish to date....but also you'll make lot's of friends...it's a win win situation! Good luck and welcome to the Bistro!

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Haha yeah I talk alot, so all the girls know me. And I'm also pretty popular at my highschool (varsity tennis+track team), but I made the mistake of surrounding myself with guys too much. My friends who have 1/4 or 1/2 of their friends as girls can pick up girls easy. They have friends who are girls who they can talk to about this stuff and they also get familiar with talking to girls at the same time. Also, if there's someone they like they just go to their best friend and have them hook them up for them. I'm a descent looking guy (I think), the vid there is me. The first time I approached the girl I liked I was nervous and didn't know what to say. This was such a weird feeling to me as I've never felt like this ever when i talk to guys. By the end though, I learned a hell of alot about myself and how to talk to girls. Apparently girls like it when you compliment them and show your sensitive side. I had to shed my "tough guy" shell completely for her to really start talking to me. She liked my sensitive side, but I don't..lol. In the end it didn't work out though. She talked to me for a week then stopped. Then I call her one day to see what's up and she tells me "lets just be friends because I don't know very well". But here's what bugs me. I talked to her for a week then she stopped, and then I still tried texting/calling her but she never responded. So I made the effort to talk to her so that she could know me, but in the end she rejects me b/c of that. I don't get girls sometimes.... I'll just try again with someone else and hopefully it'll be different

The one thing that you need to keep in mind is that the girls that you are interested in are just that, girls. They are young, they are still developing as human beings, just as you are, they are moody, they are insecure, confused, subject to peer pressure, etc, etc, etc. So, talk to all the girls in your class, it will help you become more comfortable around them, treat them like people and friends, look them in the eye and be respectful. It's not easy being a teenager with all these crazy things going on inside you and around you, but remember to be yourself no matter what, don't put on an act or anything like that. People want to like you for who you really are, the same way that you want to like people for who they really are.

yeah I guess your right. I imagine with more practice I'll get better. That's what your teen years/highschool are for anyway lol, get good with girls now so that when you get married you won't have any of this trouble But then again I hear marriage isn't what alot of people think it is

Marriage is what you make of it. Those whose marriages thrive and grow understand that it is a partnership. Always give a hundred percent (not just meet the other halfway) because people are human and will falter, they will stumble, but there must be a natural give and take to keep it healthy and and minimize resentment and disappointment.

BTW, welcome to the thread and I agree with the other advice given here in the last page. You are young and this is the time to have fun, friends and test the waters. Don't be in such a hurry to jump in head first. At fifteen (no offense) no one has the mental awareness and maturity to participate in an adult relationship - so my advice is not to try.

Get to know girls, have them as friends and go on a few dates. When you meet the one you will know - you both will, and it will be a gravitation towards each other that neither can describe. In the meantime remember that what is meant to happen will happen...in its own time. You can't force these things to happen and if you come off too strong you'll just get a reputation which will make it more difficult to meet new people.

Okay, a few more thoughts. Don't tell anyone you are good looking (even us). The sexiest, best looking people are those who either don't realize they are or choose to not make it an issue.

Everyone has been 'rejected'. This is normal and even the supermodels and actors will tell you they have been rejected. The reason for this? Not everyone (in fact only a minor percentage) are only interested in looks.

Be a nice guy. Be someone that both males and females can feel comfortable coming to with a problem or advice needed. Never, ever, reveal a secret - this is crucial in life. When you come across someone you are interested who doesn't feel the same way, don't take it personally. This girl who is interested in friendship only may be the one to introduce you to the one who is interested in dating you. Always be polite and respectful of women. IOW, be cool. Be relaxed and don't sweat the small stuff because you will encounter enough biggies that require your full attention. Be yourself but always be honest and kind. Haha. Clear as mud?

Okay yet another thought. I am avoiding going out in the cold - it is supposed to get down to minus thirty five tonight - to grab a Saturday paper.

Every woman is different. There is no mold when it comes to the ladies, just as there is none for the men. I could tell you what I seek in a relationship, but Fee could have an entirely different list, same as ILC, etc. etc. This is why it is important to make an effort to get to know the females in your group on an individual basis.

I know as a teen you are eager to get down to business but fifteen year old girls tend to want to be with the right guy. That means you need to be patient in this process. I'm sure you'd like to eventually meet someone who would like to come out and watch you play tennis on your school team or even play tennis herself as opposed to one who only wants to text her friends and whose biggest concern is whether she should get gel nails or hair extensions this weekend. Be choosey. You are young and free. Let the girls come to you first and express an interest instead of honing in on one like a beacon and focusing all your thoughts on a returned message. Make yourself busy and important. Make yourself a mystery that they will want to invest some time in figuring you out. This isn't playing games...merely not wearing your heart and mind on your sleeve. Close the book a little and I guarantee that you will pique the interest of those around you.

Now I'm off into the snowy tundra. Wish me luck and Mike I added a few cases of Stoli to the order. My apologies, the carrier turned out to be unreliable but I promise we won't run short on you again.

I agree that hugs are the best (especially when they come from really great guys like our Sup here). The squirrel is in the back office so please sit and have a Fee egg nog on the house.

Fee I agree on the upstairs area. Maybe an exercise room, a day spa and showers/change rooms are in order. I'm sure it'll fit in the budget. There is tonnes of room for a lounge as well. This will work great since others will have a little more peace in the reading lounge with the fireplace.

Seriously though thanks, i'll keep all that in mind. I actually might go and print those posts off. I am a nice guy, but it's just the nervousness that got to me. Now that that's out of my system hopefully it will be better next time. For now though I'll just be patient and keep on the lookout for someone while being nice to everyone at the same time. I'm actually friends with alot of girls, but when I try and push it beyond friends is where I get nervous. But this is what highschool is for, ill just experiment with different people and hopefully get better while I'm at it. Like I said i'll keep you guys posted, Monday's when it all starts

Thanks everyone:grin:

edit- about being important and being like a mystery, thats actually why I started to like/get curious about the girl I got rejected by. I actually told her that in the end, i was kinda emotional then and told her everything. But she never really talked to many guys, she didn't go wear revealing clothes to get attention, always smiled and just seemed like a great person...but I had no idea who she really was so that's when I figured i'd try and get her number. Now if I can do the same...

Glad to help and feel free to bring further questions here. Also keep in mind the old saying which is more true than you may think. People tend to meet others when they aren't looking for them at all. You could spend all day checking out the possibilities at school on Tuesday and then bump into a really great person on Thursday evening in the movie rental store. Life is funny in the way it works. We all need to be flexible and patient and roll with the punches.

No worries Sup, we'll contract only the best for the job at hand. Speaking of....what are you and Jolly doing for the next month? Drak? SF? Mike? TS? Lee? Ballinbob? We need some muscle and anyone with drywalling, painting, plumbing and flooring experience are greatly needed.

No worries Sup, we'll contract only the best for the job at hand. Speaking of....what are you and Jolly doing for the next month? Drak? SF? Mike? TS? Lee? Ballinbob? We need some muscle and anyone with drywalling, painting, plumbing and flooring experience are greatly needed.

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Are you trying to get me out of my shirt again.... sheesh... you just need to ask.. *wink wink*

I dont think we have the space for an exercise room and the noise might be the opposite of our current atmosphere? I was thinking more of a place for our sweaty athletic customers to shower, change and relax before they came downstairs to eat, socialize, and have their appropriate beverages.

On the other hand, a quiet clear space for yoga and stretching could be helpful. I don't want to blow the budget on lots of equipment on top of the construction, and then we'd have to conduct a bunch of interviews for the spa employees. I favor keeping it simple.

Damn, no spa? All right, since there is already one down the street I guess it would be overkill. I agree on nixing the exercise room since I am personally against the smell of those. So where are we at? Showers and change facilities, a large lounge with the necessary gigantic television screen for optimum match viewing, and a seperate quiet area for meditation/yoga? Sounds good to me.

Oh Sup, if it was acceptable to put a no shirt on the men sign at the door I'd be all over it. I want to get some work out of you all though - this will be a huge renovation and we need you!

Excellent Bob. Can I call you Bob? We haven't started negotiating the colour sceme yet and there are now three of us (which will work great on a tie). Personally, I am a natural girl and am partial to rich, deep browns, beiges, tans and taupes with some accent colours thrown in on the walls through local artwork and accessories. I'll wait to hear from the other two on their preferences. This is something everyone could weigh in on since it'll be the room you all hang out in, no?

I agree, the lounge and exercise space should be earth toned neutrals - beige, brown, perhaps a tiny bit of a dark, burnt orange-y type of trim (or terra cotta or sienna or whatever its called). I think we can do the men's shower room/lockerroom in blues and grays with a tiny bit of black trim, and the ladies in linen and peach perhaps?

Yeah Bob's cool with me. I'm pretty neutral with colors, so I'll let you guys decide. I personally like darker colors a little more than lighter ones, but that's pretty much my only preference. You going to supply the paint or am I going to have to make a trip to Home Depot and get some?

I agree, the lounge and exercise space should be earth toned neutrals - beige, brown, perhaps a tiny bit of a dark, burnt orange-y type of trim (or terra cotta or sienna or whatever its called). I think we can do the men's shower room/lockerroom in blues and grays with a tiny bit of black trim, and the ladies in linen and peach perhaps?

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I am in full agreement on this. As long as we don't do any salmon in the ladies room I am happy. lol. A light (very light) lime may work as an accent with the peach as well.

Yeah Bob's cool with me. I'm pretty neutral with colors, so I'll let you guys decide. I personally like darker colors a little more than lighter ones, but that's pretty much my only preference. You going to supply the paint or am I going to have to make a trip to Home Depot and get some?

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Nah, we'll take care of the supplies and tools but thanks for offering. We'll need to gut the place first...has anyone seen our beloved Dedan? I say we give him a sledge hammer and a bottle of whatever he wants and let him go wild. He'll take those walls down faster than a wrecking crew.

CC, one quick change in the library... I want to get rid of the window bench (it was kind of cold to sit there anyway) and replace it with a table for six and some chairs. As long as we are keeping the library relatively peaceful and quiet (and warm) we might as well make a suitable study space for some of our regulars. Comfy chairs and sofas are not always best for the attention spans, especially when studying biology or history. A table will also allow them to work in pairs or groups if they need to, and bring their laptops.

Oh wet noodle lashing for me, I forgot our new partner... ILC, feel free to chime in on any of these plans. Topaz, I'd like your comments too, just for the heck of it.

Okay, how about this for an idea? Not to take the job back, but how about we keep the proprietorship to us two. In order to employ both ILC and Topaz in equal fairness, we make them both managers (with an earning interest in the Bistro). They can work out their hours themselves and split the required managerial duties. We'll be busy on the upgrades for awhile anyway. Is that a fair deal for everyone?

As for the library, I think we have room for some study tables as well as retaining the couches around the fireplace. We'll just move the jukebox to the other side and we'll need one of our new managers to contact the cable company to make sure there are enough internet connections for the laptops.

Okay, I think your managment plan is very fair (and equitable for all four of us).

We'll amp up the wireless connection for the additional users. I dont think we need to move any of the couches or chairs, just pull out the icky, hard, cold window bench and replace it with one nice looking yet sturdy table. The room will retain its perfect feng shui.

No indoor courts Topaz, but maybe we can talk to the landlord about the roof...

If you want to be the project manager for the upstairs, I would be happy to have your help. Just promise me the plumbing part of it will be done by a licensed, reference contractor and perfectly within code. I would hate to have Niagara Falls come gushing onto the downstairs one day. We can have the menfolk around here help with everything else once the plumbing is all set.

I think the three of us can handle the bar. I've only poured a drink here about 3 times in the last few years, everyone seems comfortable helping themselves.

I shall be most happy to relinquish any and all duties and resposibilities essential to the running of the Bistro to CC, Fee and Topaz........
I will be most happy to fill in here and there on a volunteer basis as always....I feel Topaz would be a better choice....

I shall be most happy to relinquish any and all duties and resposibilities essential to the running of the Bistro to CC, Fee and Topaz........
I will be most happy to fill in here and there on a volunteer basis as always....I feel Topaz would be a better choice....

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Oh no you don't, no backing out now! You're still our number one relief manager (pleeeeeeeesssseee stay).